New Orleans Ninth Grader Moved by Homeless Veterans Steps Forward

Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans President/CEO Jim LeBlanc stands by Princeton Carter as he presents a gift card from his Brother’s Keeper Newman program to 10-year Army veteran Juanita and her twin daughters, Kamry and Kalin.

Many of us see persons who are homeless and feel sorry for them. But Princeton Carter, a ninth grader at Newman School in New Orleans, did much more. He noticed that one of the homeless men under a bridge near the Superdome carried a sign saying he was a veteran. Looking closer, Princeton saw that the man also displayed an ID that proved he had served.

Princeton knew he had to help. After brainstorming, he decided that feeding veterans in crisis would make a real difference. He planned a community service project called “My Brother’s Keeper Newman.” Gift cards from a local grocery store chain were soon part of the plan. Carter began asking other Newman students and parents for help. The school’s Action Committee, which focuses on providing community service, also became involved in the project and recruited more supporters. Before long, Carter received fifty $100 gift cards for groceries.

While organizing his project, Carter learned that Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans serves veterans in a variety of ways through a Support Services for Veterans Families program. This effort stabilizes formerly homeless veterans who are rebuilding their lives. It helps them unite and take care of their families. Carter decided to present Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans with the gift cards he had gathered to help veterans in need.

As a result of Carter’s generous donation, supported by the Newman School community, many veterans and their families are being fed and loved. His commitment to help has made a huge difference in the lives of those who served our country.